The RJC’s goal is to create an independent system that will audit companies in the diamond and gold jewelry pipeline based on their practices and then award them as ‘certified’ if they meet the standards.

 

While membership is not required, the hope is that companies within the jewelry industry - from miners to retailers - will join to ensure that their standing on the ethical, social and environmental fronts is good and that their participation will improve the industry’s standing in the eyes of caring consumers.

 

Some companies, such as BHP Billiton, have required their clients to become members of RJC to ensure that the company’s products (rough diamonds, in the case of BHP Billiton) are sold only to those that also meet the RJC standards.

 

“It has been a character building exercise,” said RJC CEO Michael Rae, when discussing the long road to completing the certification system with IDEX Online.

 

“You can provide proof that you meet the standards and acting responsibly to your suppliers, clients, community, shareholders and business community,” Rae said, explaining the reasons a company should attain RJC certification.

 

Companies interested in becoming certified will need to meet a long list of standards based on where they are on the pipeline. The process starts with a self-assessment, which includes all the points an auditor will examine. The second step is to pick an approved auditor – most likely a company that specializes in financial audits – who will verify the auditee’s paperwork and seek evidence that what they were told about the company is true. This may include a visit to a diamond mine or polishing facility as well as interviews with people working at the facilities.

 

The auditor will then provide the company with a report that lists what standards the company met and what needs be corrected. Both sides will work together to form a plan of action to meet the standards, including a timeline.

 

Finally, the auditors will provide the RJC with a report that lists what standards the company met and what it did not meet, if any issues remain open. The report will be accompanied either with a recommendation to the RJC to certify the audited company or not. Certification is valid for two years, after which companies will need to be re-checked. Certified companies will be listed on the RJC web site for the public to see.

 

Currently, the RJC is still in the process of accrediting auditors. Rae expects this to be completed in early 2010. He plans to issue the first certification during the second quarter of the year.

 

This system puts the jewelry industry on the forefront of ethical business behavior. Its string of actions includes the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme to battle illicit trade in rough diamonds, which was followed by the System of Warranties. Then the jewelry industry started to address issues related to gold mining under the banner No Dirty Gold.

 

The RJC standards take this positive attitude further. “No other industry has such a system,” Rae proudly announced, revealing that other industries are already inquiring about it.

 

“De Beers fully supports the Council’s aims to promote responsible and ethical, human rights, social and environmental practices in a transparent and accountable manner throughout the industry from mine to retail,” said Stephen Lussier, a De Beers executive director and a member of the RJC board.

 

Among RJC members are some of the most recognized names in the industry, including mining firms Rio Tinto and AngloGold Ashanti, diamond polishers and wholesalers Diarough and Rosy Blue, jewelry makers Gucci and Roberto Coin, leading retailers Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Zale as well as many industry organizations.

 

According to Lussier, the implementation of this system will create one comprehensive set of industry-wide standards recognized by all major players.

 

“De Beers will work closely with the RJC to bring its BPP standards in line with RJC requirements, so that compliance with BPP will afford Sightholders the opportunity of attaining RJC certification,” Lussier promised.

 

Information about becoming an RJC member, its Code of Practice and a Certification Fact Sheet can be found here.